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Want to learn more about drug addiction? Check out our blog for some of the latest information. We provide case studies, informational blogs, current event blogs and more to keep readers informed.

First carfentanil case prosecuted in San Diego County

The U.S. Attorney’s Office of Southern California on Oct. 6, 2017 announced its decision to prosecute the first case involving carfentanil in San Diego County. In the case, 37-year-old Sky Gornik of Clairemont faces charges of trafficking carfentanil, ketamine, fentanyl and other substances through the U.S. mail over several years. According to investigating officers, a thorough search of Gornik’s residence led to the discovery of 1.77 grams of carfentanil, capable of producing 86,000 fatal doses.

Gornik has also been accused of ordering fentanyl and methamphetamine in bulk in the form of gel tablets – 600 pills each week – for about two years from someone in Oklahoma, who procured the drug from China. Additionally, the attorney’s office has also decided to prosecute its first case involving 4ANPP, the precursor chemical used to produce fentanyl. The precursor chemical was dispatched from China to locations in San Ysidro, according to authorities. Generally, drug traffickers smuggle the chemical from the United States into Mexico, where they manufacture fentanyl. Subsequently, the manufactured substances are trafficked back into the U.S.

Carfentanil, one of the most potent opioids

Carfentanil is an analog of the strong analgesic fentanyl, which is 100 times more potent than morphine. And carfentanil is nearly 100 times stronger than fentanyl, thus making it one of the most potent commercially used opioids. It is used as a sedative for large animals and is considered highly lethal for humans.

Carfentanil is used to adulterate the commonly available street drugs, such as heroin. However, fentanyl has turned out to be deadlier due to its excessive abuse, normally by mixing it with heroin. Legally, in a controlled setting as in the case of hospitals, fentanyl is administered in the form of pills that can be lodged inside the cheek or dissolvable patches, which can be placed under the tongue.

Unfortunately, drug dealers smuggle in fentanyl, which is available in the market in the form of patches and lozenges, taking it to the streets where it is abused in a non-clinical setting. Thefts and fraudulent prescriptions are some of the reasons why such a dangerous drug makes it to the hands of wrong people.

Nowadays, illicit laboratories across the U.S. manufacture intravenous morphine infusion (IMF), which is mixed with heroin or sold as heroin to an unwary addicted person. Besides, fentanyl is also sold in illegal drug markets as counterfeit pills. For the unsuspecting individual, who attempts to misuse the drug in a non-clinical environment, this can be a dangerous dose. Studies show that the minuscule difference between a dose administered by a doctor and a self-administered dose can mean life or death. In the light of the surge in fentanyl-related deaths since March 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a nationwide alert on the drug and its analogues.

Leading a drug-free life

If you or your loved one is battling addiction to fentanyl or any other harmful substance, you must seek treatment immediately. The San Diego Drug Treatment and Rehab Center can help you get one of the best addiction treatment programs and embrace sobriety. You may call at our 24/7 helpline number 619-567-2107 for more information on a variety of treatment options in your vicinity.